How Flamengo and Lanús fans forged an unlikely friendship before the Recopa Sudamericana | OneFootball

Flamengo and Lanús meet in the Recopa Sudamericana with a bond beyond the pitch. The first leg at La Fortaleza starts 21:30 Brasília time, bringing the fanbases together for only the third time.

According to Globo.com, when rivals Vasco and Fluminense met Lanús last year, some Flamengo shirts appeared in La Fortaleza backing the Argentines.

The friendship between FlaManguaça and La Barra 14 began in February 2012, at the clubs’ only meeting. Libertadores group match in Argentina ended 1-1, and the return at Nilton Santos finished 3-0 to Flamengo, yet the exit hurt.

To advance, Flamengo needed a win and a draw between Olimpia of Paraguay and Emelec of Ecuador. The picture held until 43 minutes of the second half, when Emelec made it 2-1. At 47, Olimpia equalised, which would have sent Flamengo through, but a minute later Emelec struck from a corner and the Brazilians were out.

Well received in Argentina, Flamengo supporters repaid the warmth when Lanús came to Rio to face Vasco. They greeted the visitors at the airport and helped during the stay. About 10 Flamengo fans even went to São Januário to lend support.

Since then, trips to Buenos Aires or Rio have brought meet-ups and banners bearing both crests. Last year, after Atlético-MG lost the Sudamericana final, one such flag appeared at the Maracanã.

The first banner was made in Argentina, later matched by a Brazilian version. This Thursday Lanús will again play host, and next week it will be Flamengo’s turn.

Source: Globo.com